AGP Executive Report

Digital Finance for SMEs: DigiCash and Inkomoko partnered to expand mobile digital finance for thousands of small businesses, aiming to reduce cash shortages by letting customers receive loans, pay bills, and transfer money electronically, with cash-out supported by 3,000 retail outlets. Health Tech & Preparedness: South Sudan’s AI ambitions face a reality check—education and healthcare access must come first, as millions of children are out of school and maternal health remains critical. Ebola Watch (Regional): Ebola fears keep spreading across borders and airports, with new modelling warning Central Africa outbreaks could reach 20,000 cases without strong isolation and response, while EAC health ministers push harmonised surveillance measures. Economic Governance Tools: UNDP and AfDB handed ICT equipment to South Sudan institutions to strengthen data-driven economic planning and oversight, including laptops for finance and parliamentary research bodies. Oil Sector Tech & Output: South Sudan’s petroleum output continues climbing, with GPOC reporting major gains tied to residual recovery studies, drilling, and infrastructure upgrades. Agriculture & Food Security: Central Equatoria’s governor and the agriculture minister renewed commitments to shift farmers toward commercial, climate-smart production to boost productivity and reduce import dependence.

Ebola & Cross-Border Health Tech: U.S. CDC modeling warns Central Africa’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak could reach 20,000+ cases without fast isolation and strong public health action, as WHO reports confirmed figures revised to 344 cases and 60 deaths in the DRC and leaders push contact tracing and treatment support. Regional Preparedness: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonize Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports, and land borders, setting up a regional technical taskforce; Germany’s KfW also pledged €1m for mobile labs, diagnostics, and lab training across the region. South Sudan Relevance: India’s health alerts list South Sudan among high-risk transmission areas, while Kenya intensifies risk-based screening and says it has not confirmed Ebola cases; meanwhile, South Sudan’s oil sector continues to invest in upgrades as crude output rises. Oil & Infrastructure: South Sudan reports major gains—GPOC output reaching 60,158 bpd (and another report citing 174,000 bpd)—driven by residual recovery studies, drilling, and infrastructure upgrades. ICT for Governance: UNDP and AfDB delivered laptops to South Sudan’s finance and parliamentary research bodies to boost data-driven economic planning and oversight. Agriculture & Food Security: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil and Agriculture Minister Clement Juma renewed commitments to shift farmers toward commercial, climate-smart production and attract private investment. Finance & Cooperatives: Co-op Bank of South Sudan convened 41 cooperative societies in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to strengthen food security, market access, and grassroots economic resilience.

Ebola Risk Modeling: U.S. CDC analysis warns Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak could reach 10,000 to 20,000+ cases depending on how fast infected people are isolated, with experts stressing the numbers are uncertain but the trajectory is dangerous. Regional Health Coordination: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonize Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports, and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate response. South Sudan Food & Farm Tech Push: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil and Agriculture Minister Clement Juma renewed commitments to shift farmers from subsistence to commercial farming, backed by climate-smart technologies and private investment. ICT for Economic Governance: UNDP and AfDB handed over laptops to South Sudan’s finance institutions and parliamentary bodies to strengthen data-driven planning and oversight. Oil Output Boost: GPOC reported crude production rising to about 60,158 barrels per day, South Sudan’s strongest performance in nearly two decades, driven by residual recovery studies, drilling, and infrastructure upgrades. Co-op Banking for Food Security: Co-operative Bank of South Sudan convened 41 co-operatives forum in Aweil to improve productivity, market access, and economic resilience. Healthcare Workforce Pressure: Lakes State nurses and midwives urged better working conditions, citing delayed salaries, shortages, and limited supplies.

Smart City Tech: A Chinese delegation is in Juba for a 20-day technical assessment for a “smart city” plan, with reviews at about 50 sites to shape security and urban management upgrades ahead of December elections. Oil & Infrastructure: South Sudan says GPOC output has jumped to 60,158 barrels per day (and total daily production now put at 174,000 bpd), citing residual oil recovery studies, new drilling, and infrastructure upgrades despite steep declines in mature fields. Public Health Tech & Borders: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports, and land borders, including a regional technical taskforce; Germany also pledged €1m for mobile labs, diagnostics, and lab training. Digital Services: South Sudan’s civil registry and immigration directorate is deploying an online passport processing system linking applications from Cairo directly to Juba’s database to cut delays for citizens abroad. AI in Media: South Sudan’s Media Authority urged journalists to use AI responsibly, verify AI content origins, and invest in training and digital newsroom capacity. Education Systems: The Ministry released 2025 CSE results with an 80.7% pass rate, while NEC nullified Nimule Model Secondary School results over exam rule breaches.

Ebola Cross-Border Response: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protection at airports, ports and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate the response as the Bundibugyo outbreak in DRC and Uganda keeps expanding. World Cup Health Measures: With FIFA World Cup travel underway, U.S., Canada and Mexico said they’re coordinating precautions to protect players and visitors, while WHO urged countries to lift some travel restrictions. South Sudan Oil Update: South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum says crude output has climbed to 174,000 barrels per day, citing residual recovery studies, drilling and infrastructure upgrades; President Kiir urged stakeholders to keep oil fields stable and push production higher. Smart City Tech Push: A Chinese delegation arrived for a 20-day assessment for Juba’s smart city plan, including security and urban management upgrades across about 50 sites. Media & AI Skills: South Sudan’s Media Authority urged journalists to use AI responsibly, verify AI content origins, and invest in training and digital newsroom capacity. Education Results: South Sudan released 2025 CSE results with an 80.7% pass rate, while NEC nullified Nimule Model Secondary School results over exam rule breaches.

Smart City Tech: Chinese experts arrived in Juba for a 20-day assessment for the Juba Smart City project, aiming to improve security and urban management ahead of December elections. Health Tech & Care Access: MTN South Sudan launched its Yellow Care campaign with Juba Teaching Hospital, including solar power for the neonatal ward, repairs to the CT scan machine, and voice/SMS health messaging for mothers. AI in Media: South Sudan’s Media Authority approved responsible AI use in newsrooms, urging journalists to verify AI content and keep human judgment central. Education & Data Integrity: The Ministry of General Education released 2025 S4 results (80.7% pass rate), while NEC nullified Nimule Model Secondary School results over exam rule breaches. Public Service Systems: South Sudan’s civil registry and immigration says it is setting up an online passport processing system linking applications from Cairo to Juba’s database. Regional Health Alert: Ebola coverage continues to dominate headlines, with WHO urging countries to lift travel restrictions and regional partners pushing coordinated preparedness.

Smart City Tech: Chinese experts arrived in Juba for a 20-day technical assessment for the Juba Smart City Project, aiming to boost security and urban management ahead of December elections. Digital Identity & Services: South Sudan’s civil registry and immigration directorate is deploying engineers and an online passport processing system linking Cairo applications directly to the Juba database to cut delays for citizens abroad. Health Tech & Care Access: MTN South Sudan launched its Yellow Care campaign with Juba Teaching Hospital, including solar power for the neonatal ward, repairs to the CT scan machine, and voice/SMS health messaging for mothers. AI in Media: The South Sudan Media Authority approved responsible AI use in newsrooms, urging journalists to verify AI-generated content and invest in training and digital infrastructure. Education & Testing Integrity: The Ministry of General Education released 2025 S.4 results with an 80.7% pass rate, while NEC nullified Nimule Model School results for 87 candidates over exam rule breaches. Ebola Response & Travel Policy: WHO urged countries to lift Ebola travel restrictions as the outbreak worsens in Central Africa, while the U.S. discussed quarantine plans in Kenya tied to World Cup travel risks.

Public Health & Misinformation: A new report warns that propaganda and false information are eroding trust and making humanitarian work harder in a “post-truth” information environment. Ebola Response & Regional Risk: The Bundibugyo strain outbreak in DR Congo is worsening, with WHO reporting hundreds of confirmed cases and many suspected ones, while neighboring countries including Uganda and South Sudan face spillover pressure; at the same time, vaccine development is accelerating with multiple candidates moving toward trials. South Sudan Healthcare Tech: MTN South Sudan’s Yellow Care campaign will support Juba Teaching Hospital with solar power for the neonatal ward, repairs to its CT scan machine, and voice/SMS health messaging for mothers. Education & STEM Pipeline: South Sudan released 2025 S4 results with an 80.7% pass rate, and science top performers were highlighted from Darling Wisdom Academy. Governance & Digital Services: South Sudan’s parliament begins a staff screening exercise to clean up payroll and improve workforce records, including ICT-related units. Trade & Skills for Growth: ITC and Equity Group signed an East Africa deal to expand trade finance and support coffee, leather, and creative industries—linking funding with skills and market access.

Ebola Response & Travel Safety: The Bundibugyo strain outbreak is worsening across the DRC, with WHO reporting 321 confirmed cases and 48 deaths, while the IRC warns the real situation may be far worse due to delayed detection and weak contact tracing; suspected cases are also rising in Uganda and South Sudan, and health agencies stress fast care-seeking and stronger regional coordination. Kenya Quarantine Controversy: Kenya’s High Court extended a halt on a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility near Laikipia Air Base after deadly protests, as the US plan faces legal battles and public anger over sovereignty and risk to local communities. South Sudan Health Tech Boost: MTN South Sudan launched its Yellow Care campaign with Juba Teaching Hospital, including solar power for the neonatal ward, CT scan repairs, and voice/SMS maternal health messaging—plus public donations via MTN MoMo. Education Results: South Sudan released 2025 S4 exam results with an 80.7% pass rate (36,950 passed out of 45,776 tested), led by Darling Wisdom Academy in top science and arts rankings. Parliament Workforce Audit: The National Assembly began a staff screening exercise to clean up payroll irregularities and tighten workforce records, including ICT and logistics/procurement units. Oil Sector Reforms: A South Sudan oil executive profile highlights ongoing reforms at Dar Petroleum Operating Company aimed at efficiency and production recovery.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO and Africa CDC say the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is spreading fast, with no licensed vaccine or treatment yet, and warn that weak detection and low contact tracing could mean the real toll is higher; Regional Risk for South Sudan: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya flags intense cross-border movement between DRC, Uganda and South Sudan as a key pathway for wider spread, urging sustained funding and coordination; Travel and Border Tech: Canada is imposing a 93-day travel freeze for people from DRC, South Sudan and Uganda, while other countries tighten screenings ahead of major travel events; Vaccine and Lab Push: Moderna is advancing an mRNA vaccine candidate for Bundibugyo Ebola with CEPI support, and Kenya’s government defends a US-funded Ebola facility at Laikipia Air Base to boost surveillance and isolation capacity despite local protests and court challenges; Security Governance: UN sanctions on South Sudan were renewed for 12 months, with analysts linking them to pressure for security sector reforms; Local Tech & Economy: A young South Sudanese oil executive outlines reforms aimed at boosting production and economic recovery, tying sector efficiency to national development.

Ebola Response: The IRC warns Congo’s 2026 Ebola outbreak is likely far worse than official counts, citing delayed detection and weak contact tracing (only about 20% of contacts tracked), with fears of spread toward Uganda and even South Sudan. Public Health & Borders: Africa CDC’s Jean Kaseya says lack of licensed vaccines and heavy cross-border movement between DRC, Uganda and South Sudan raise the risk of regional spread, while WHO urges countries to avoid travel bans that discourage transparency. South Sudan Tech & Security Policy: A political analyst says renewed UN sanctions on South Sudan aim to push security sector reforms and improve cohesion among forces—key for stability that also affects health and service delivery. Korea-Africa Cooperation: South Korea hosted its first ministerial meeting with 50 African nations, focusing on shared prosperity and tech-linked cooperation, including infrastructure, industrialisation, technology transfer, and disease preparedness. Media & Data Costs: A watchdog reports opaque web-scraping is draining resources from public-interest journalism, highlighting a growing tech threat to information ecosystems. Local Infrastructure: A civil society group renews calls to urgently rehabilitate the Juba–Nimule highway, saying slow repairs are driving up transport costs and hurting trade.

Ebola Response & Borders: Canada has imposed a 93-day travel freeze for people coming from DR Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak accelerates, while WHO leaders in Congo urge countries to avoid border closures that can discourage transparency. WHO Field Updates: WHO chief Tedros visited Bunia, stressing early care, safe burials, and community trust as confirmed cases rise and no licensed vaccine or treatment exists for this strain. Regional Health Pressure: Uganda ordered an immediate border closure with DR Congo after suspected cases approached 1,000, despite WHO guidance, highlighting how fast-moving outbreaks strain cross-border coordination. South Sudan Tech & Infrastructure: A civil society group renewed calls to urgently rehabilitate the Juba–Nimule highway, saying slow repairs are driving up transport costs and worsening daily life. Korea-Africa Cooperation: South Korea hosted its first ministerial meeting with 50 African countries in Seoul to strengthen cooperation on supply chains and global challenges, with AfCFTA and Africa CDC among key partners. Digital Media Security: A watchdog warned that opaque web-scraping systems are draining resources from public-interest journalism, including automated traffic hitting an investigative platform.

Ebola Response in Congo & Uganda: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Bunia, saying the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak “can be stopped” but is “very complex,” with 134 confirmed cases and 18 confirmed deaths reported in Congo and Uganda as of May 29, plus hundreds of suspected cases; he urged early care, safe burials, and community trust while pushing countries to avoid travel bans that “discourage transparency.” Canada Travel Measures: Infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch told CTV that Canadians worried about the outbreak should focus on containing Ebola at its source, noting Canada’s 21-day quarantine for travellers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan and warning the outbreak may be prolonged due to security constraints and the lack of vaccines or treatments for this strain. Kenya Quarantine Center Court Fight: Reports say a Kenyan court temporarily suspended a plan to build an Ebola quarantine center for foreigners, with critics calling it “American-focused” and raising concerns about care for Kenyans. Agroforestry for Climate Resilience (South Sudan link): JKUAT’s intra-Africa SERA project will include the University of Juba to strengthen agroforestry research and education for climate mitigation, training MSc/PhD students and staff starting September 2026. Juba-Nimule Highway Repairs: Civil society group CEPO urged faster rehabilitation of the Juba-Nimule road, warning slow progress is raising transport costs and the cost of living. UN Peacekeeping Tech & Safety: Rwanda marked UN Day of Peacekeepers with ceremonies in Juba, highlighting “Investing in Peace” and the risks faced by troops protecting civilians. South Sudan Sanctions Debate: UN Security Council members including Russia, China, Pakistan, DRC, Liberia, and Somalia abstained on renewing South Sudan sanctions and the arms embargo, arguing they’ve failed to deliver lasting peace and may hinder transition and security reforms.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Bunia, saying the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak “can be stopped” but is “very complex,” urging community trust-building and safe burials as suspected cases climb to 906 with 223 suspected deaths. Travel & Border Tech: Canada, the U.S., and others tightened entry rules tied to Ebola fears, including enhanced airport screening and document suspensions affecting South Sudan travellers, while the U.S. expanded which airports can process screened arrivals. Kenya Quarantine Lab Fight: Kenya’s Health CS Aden Duale defended a U.S.-backed Ebola lab and quarantine plan at Laikipia, even as a Kenyan court temporarily halted the project. One Health Warning: Reporting from Congo highlights how hunting and processing wild meat can raise zoonotic risk, keeping Ebola linked to human–animal contact. South Sudan Tech & Infrastructure: A civil society push renewed calls to speed up repairs on the Juba–Nimule highway, warning slow progress is driving up transport costs and prices. Local Health Support: Chinese medical teams and firms donated supplies to Juba orphanages, including follow-up care tracking for children. UN Sanctions Debate: Six UN Security Council members abstained on renewing South Sudan sanctions and the arms embargo, arguing they’ve not delivered lasting peace and may hinder transition and security reforms.

Ebola Response Tech & Borders: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus arrived in Kinshasa to back Congo’s Ebola fight, warning the outbreak “can be stopped” but is “very complex” amid displacement, food insecurity, and weak supplies; meanwhile, countries including Canada, the U.S., and others tightened entry rules and airport screening for travellers linked to DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, with Canada also suspending immigration documents and pausing visa processing—moves that are already disrupting travel for people with existing plans. One Health & Wildlife Risk: Experts in Congo linked Ebola surges to ongoing demand for wild animals, stressing that hunting, butchering, and processing can drive zoonotic spillovers—an urgent reminder for prevention beyond hospitals. South Sudan Sanctions Debate: UN Security Council members including Russia, China, Pakistan, and others abstained on renewing South Sudan sanctions and the arms embargo, arguing the measures haven’t delivered lasting peace and may be complicating political transition and security reforms. Local Tech-Adjacent Aid in Juba: Chinese medical teams and construction firms donated food, clothing, and school supplies to Juba orphanages, with ongoing hospital renovation support that ties health infrastructure to community services.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus landed in Kinshasa saying the outbreak “can be stopped” but is “very complex,” citing conflict, food insecurity, distrust, and delays as cases likely spread for weeks before detection; WHO reported 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, with Red Cross volunteer deaths also raising alarm. Cross-Border Tech & Health Measures: Kenya approved a U.S. request to use land at an air force base in Laikipia for an Ebola quarantine facility for Americans exposed to the virus, while the U.S. added more airport screening (including JFK) and Canada, the U.S., and Mexico aligned World Cup travel rules—sparking debate over whether bans help. Local Support in Juba: A Chinese medical team and construction firms donated food, clothing, and school supplies to two Juba orphanages, continuing regular medical follow-ups and referrals to Juba Teaching Hospital. Policy & Public Trust: Canada’s health agency defended precautionary entry blocks despite WHO advice against travel restrictions, as experts warned restrictions may not stop importation.